Sands, who has been with the Blues since Under-8s level, went full-time as a scholar in the summer and has now signed his first pro deal after turning 17.

He made his debut for our Under-18s while still an Under-15s player, keeping a clean sheet in a 3-0 win over Leicester City in April 2023, and was a regular in the Chelsea Under-16s side which won the Premier League National Tournament last season.

The keeper has made two further appearances for the Under-18s since joining Hassan Sulaiman’s squad permanently for 2024/25, in the league against West Ham United and Aston Villa, coming out on the winning side on both occasions.

Congratulations Hudson!